Chicago Bears Continue Success Into Undrafted Free Agency

The Chicago Bears knew they needed a strong off-season if they were going to fulfill their goal of becoming a playoff contender.  By all accounts, they’ve succeeded.

It started with a run of strong signings in free agency with Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and Akiem Hicks leading the way.  Then came one of the highest-graded bodies of work in the 2016 NFL draft according to multiple outlets.  GM Ryan Pace added a wealth of young talent to his roster, including a number of potential day 1 starters like Leonard Floyd, Cody Whitehair, Jonathan Bullard and Jordan Howard.  However, perhaps the most understated part of the off-season was still to come.

Undrafted free agency.

It’s the time right after the draft when teams scrambled to scoop up players they had targeted but weren’t taken in the 253 picks.  Pace understands the best teams in the league take this part every bit as seriously as the draft itself.  Based on the early returns, his run of success hasn’t wavered.  A number of intriguing players have decided to bring their talents to the Windy City.

Roy Robertson-Harris was a late riser on draft board due in large part to his playing at University of Texas-El Paso.  A 6’7″ defensive end, he exhibits rare physical traits including athleticism, strength and burst.  Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had him projected as a solid 5th round pick.

"“Robertson-­Harris will step onto the field at his first NFL camp looking like a dude. He has the desired length, power and athleticism to play on the edge and it will be interesting to see if teams view him as a defensive end or a stand­up player. If Robertson-­Harris can get coached up to improve his hands and pass-rush talent, he has the athleticism and talent to become an NFL starter rather than just an athlete with occasional flashes on tape.”"

Ben Braunecker on the other hand comes in to help the Chicago Bears fill in the gap left by Martellus Bennett.  They weren’t able to address tight end in the draft, but based on what he accomplished at Harvard it’s fair to say he’s got a lot of traits that make for productive pros.  Our Mocks scouting network had a lot to say about him.

"“A smart, good ole’ Harvard boy, Braunecker isn’t an elite athlete, but has a knack for finding the soft spots coverage. He runs crisp routes and can beat defenders off the line with some sneaky speed and quickness. Armed with a soft pair of hands to match, Braunecker uses his length to extend nicely back to the ball. While the Crimson standout isn’t a burner after the catch, he’s a hard-runner that can power through tacklers for extra yardage.”"

Questions about him aren’t talent-related.  As with most small school prospects, it’s about competition.  He wasn’t facing top tier defenses.  Even so, the measurements indicate he can handle the jump, the same as Robertson-Harris.  They have the look of two players who will not only make the Bears roster this year, but become legitimate contributors if give enough time to develop.